US business lobby to back former HP chief’s senate bid

The US Chamber of Commerce business lobbying group announced Monday it was backing former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina’s effort to unseat veteran Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer.

“We’re endorsing Carly because she understands the challenges businesses are facing and will stand up for the people of California during these tough economic times,” said Bill Miller, the group’s national political director.

Miller and Fiorina will make a two-day, six-city tour in California to trumpet the endorsement, the chamber said in a statement.

Fiorina has campaigned on a platform of fiscal accountability while attempting to appeal to social conservatives by emphasizing her opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

Fiorina, 55, served as Hewlett Packard chief for six years until 2005, when she was forced to resign after the company’s share price plummeted.

In 2008, she served as an economic advisor to the failed presidential campaign of Republican Senator John McCain.

Boxer, who was first elected in 1992, chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and has made efforts to combat climate change one of her signature issues.

She easily won reelection in 2004, and recent polls have given her a slight edge over Fiorina.